Ursulines Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children
Spring 2011 Vol. 9, No. 3
www.ursulinesmsj.org
Sisters Offer OUTREACH
Kansas Ministries 2011 Jubilarians Center News
U r s u l i n e s
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From our Congregational Leader Dear Friends, By this time in the Lenten season, we have begun to hear and reflect about goats and sheep, as in whether we will be among the sheep (those on the Lord’s right) or among the goats (those consigned to the undesirable side) [Matthew 25:33]. Now, I must admit that I’ve often wondered why the goats should always get the wrong end of the deal. After all, goats seemed to me to be marvelously adaptable. I would think of Heidi, and her Alm-Uncle, and Peter the goatherd. Goats provide milk, cheese, and goat-hair for spinning. Such Sister Sharon noble, resourceful, and giving creatures! But, sheep? In these parables of the sheep and goats, Jesus reminds us that, if we are to be about His business, then we must serve the “least of these” [Matthew 25:40]. So we respond to that call in many ways. Some of us may make it our charge to seek and find those who are “least.” Others to change societal norms to free and assist those who are “least.” Others to carry the Word directly to those who are “least.” Of course, there’s the rub. Who are these “least” that need our help? They really aren’t very far away. And they really don’t have identifying marks. First and foremost, they are our neighbors. Now, they may speak a different language, be chronically ill, be homeless, or on death row. But they are first our neighbors, our sisters and brothers, our family. Not a “they,” but a “we.” In this Ursulines Alive, you will walk with a number of Ursulines who have served with their neighbors, giving love and assistance beyond that obtained through community agencies. As Saint Angela would have, so have they reached out in union, with love fueled by God’s love. You will share the stories of sisters serving in the Kansas area where whole communities embraced the Ursuline charism, making it – and the sisters serving there – their own; recognizing that we are, together, united as the “least” in God’s love. And we will celebrate those who still continue, through the Ursuline charism of hospitality, to invite all to be neighbors. Know that we rely on your prayers and that you are in ours always. May your Easter journeys be blessed by the Spirit’s inspirations. As you relish the sights and sounds of spring – both the bleats and the baas – may you, as one of God’s “least,” know the limitless love of God.
– Sister Sharon Sullivan, OSU
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Cover: Clockwise from top left: (1) Sister Fran Wilhelm leads the Hispanic choir during practice at Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church, Owensboro, Ky. (2) Sister Larraine Lauter signs up Honduran residents for a dental clinic where she volunteered with her Epiphany parish in 2009. (3) Sister Rosemary Keough talks with Obbie, 4, following his check-up by nurse Terra Beck, right, as Obbie’s mother Victorina looks on, at the Webster County Health Center, Dixon, Ky. (4) Sister Luisa Bickett talks with Moises, who she drove from Horse Branch, Ky., to meet with an Owensboro attorney concerning the finger he lost in a work-related accident.
Ursulines Alive is published by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Maple Mount, Ky. Three issues are published each calendar year. EDITORS: Director of Mission Advancement/Communications.........Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications Specialist/Graphic Design.......................Jennifer Kaminski MISSION ADVANCEMENT STAFF: Director of Development....................................................Sister Amelia Stenger Director of Mission Effectiveness.......................................Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan Director of Spiritual Formation..........................................Sister Marietta Wethington Director of Ursuline Partnerships.......................................Marian Bennett, OSUA Administrative Specialist/Web Development....................Tiffany Orth
In this issue Ursulines Offer Outreach......................3 Kansas Ministries...................................6 Several of the former Paola Ursulines continue to minister in Kansas 2011 Jubilarians.....................................9 Not Really Retired.................................9 Statement of Accountability.............. 11 Retreat Center ....................................12 Spiritual Direction ..............................14 Obituaries............................................15 Soli Deo Gloria ...................................16 We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God
Our Mission We, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, sustained by prayer and vowed life in community, proclaim Jesus through education and Christian formation in the spirit of our founder, Saint Angela Merici.
Our PURPOSE Freeing and Nurturing Women and Children
OUR CORE VALUES • Prayer • Service • Empowerment • Justice • Contemplative Presence ...in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici
Contact Us Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, Kentucky 42356 270-229-4103 Fax: 270-229-4953 info.msj@maplemount.org www.ursulinesmsj.org Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ursulinesmsj
Sister Rosemary Keough, left, helps Victorina schedule the next appointment for her children at the Webster County Health Center in Dixon, Ky.
any of the Ursuline Sisters take it upon themselves to participate in outreach ministry – serving meals to the homeless, volunteering in shelters, or responding to emergency needs. But for a handful of sisters, reaching out to an ever-changing population is their fulltime ministry. “My ministry is enabling my parish community to serve beyond itself,” said Sister Larraine Lauter, social responsibility minister at the Church of the Epiphany in Louisville, Ky. “I miss being in the street with the poor,” she said, although she knows she’s affecting more lives in her current role. “That’s just part of leadership. It’s all helping to enable the parish community to do outreach.” Sister Larraine’s ministry benefits the poor from all backgrounds. Three other sisters in outreach ministry – Sister Fran Wilhelm, Sister Rosemary Keough, and Sister Luisa Bickett – focus their ministries on serving Hispanics. “We do translation or interpretation, and 90 percent of the time offer transportation,” said Sister Fran, who is director of Centro Latino in Owensboro, Ky. “We take pregnant women for their prenatal care, children for dental care and school physical exams, and give support in court,” Sister Fran said. Sister Rosemary works with Sister Fran, ministering to Hispanics in counties surrounding Owensboro. “We’re caring for women and children,” Sister Rosemary said. “Saint Angela is right with us.” Sister Luisa provides a similar service in the rural community of Horse Branch, Ky., about 45 minutes from Maple Mount. “I always felt Saint Angela was pretty adaptable,” Sister Luisa said. “She and her company tried to be of service where they were needed. I think this is needed.” Rosa Barragan, 14, has been coming to Centro Latino since she was 2 years old. Her comment about the impact of Sister Fran could easily apply to all the sisters in outreach ministry. “She tells us we need to
By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
have hope.” Sister Fran opened Centro Latino in 1993 on some rural church property, but when the church needed the property back in 2000, Centro Latino moved into a house in Owensboro two doors down from the Diocese of Owensboro’s offices. Her motivation for starting Centro Latino began when she returned to Mount Saint Joseph in 1983. She had served nine years in South America, and done mission work in California, before returning to serve on the community’s leadership Council from 1984-92. She began noticing a rise in the number of Hispanics in the community, often farm laborers. “Hispanics were coming into town and nobody was reaching out to them,” she said. “I asked the bishop if he’d like me to be a church person for them.” The diocese provides the house for Centro Latino, but the Ursuline community provides the salaries for Sisters Fran and Rosemary, and the cars they drive. “I started out thinking I’d have a good, strong, spiritual program,” Sister Fran said. “I learned you need to fill the daily needs first. I think the Lord led us to social work ministry more than spiritual.” Sister Fran Wilhelm visits with Rosa Barragan, 14, who has been coming to Centro Latino since she was 2. “Everybody loves her,” Rosa said about Sister Fran. Continued on page 4
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Sister Larraine Lauter, (back row, second from left) celebrated Ash Wednesday in Honduras with Epiphany parishioners in 2009. RIGHT: Sister Larraine is helped with her shoveling by Rogenio in this 2009 photo from the Epiphany trip to Honduras.
Centro Latino. “This is here for a reason, to help us all,” she said while visiting the center. “She gives her own time, her own freedom to help us. It’s so amazing that she started this,” Rosa said. “My mother has twin daughters, (Sister Fran) was with her when they were born,” Rosa said. “We came here with nothing and now we have everything we want. Everybody loves her.” Sister Rosemary wanted to be a missionary from the time she was 5 years old. After a stint in South America, she began at Centro Latino on Jan. 1, 2000. She lives with Sister Fran at Centro Latino, but does much of the out-of-town driving taking Hispanic people to various appointments. “We’re kind of like their lifeline,” she said, noting that there is no public transportation in the rural areas she serves. The people she ministers to teach her “patience, courage, trust in God, and prayerfulness,” she said. “They have joy in spite of all the problems.” Chris Gutierrez, director of Hispanic ministries in Owensboro, said the two sisters are a great help. “They do a great job of counseling, being an ear and a shoulder for folks,” he said.
The sisters do work closely with the director of Hispanic ministry for the diocese, and Sister Fran leads a Hispanic choir in Owensboro and plays in one monthly in an outlying area. This ministry is a prime example of the Ursuline Sister Luisa has been involved in pastoral outreach Sisters’ focus on “freeing and nurturing women and in Horse Branch since 1984. It is a continuation of her children,” Sister Fran said. “Everything we do is directly love for serving the poor and Hispanics that she has had or indirectly supporting women and children, even the since her college days. work we do with men,” Sister Fran said. “When Sister “I took a course in college on Latin American history Michele (Morek) was congregational leader, she would during the summers. There was something that made me tell me, ‘Saint Angela would be proud of you.’” love the Hispanic people,” Sister Luisa said. She was a Her favorite part of the ministry is getting very teacher and principal for 15 years, but was thrilled when close to the families. “I get to know them from many Pope Paul VI decided that religious communities should aspects,” she said. “I’m interpreting for a Down send 10 percent of their people to Latin America. She syndrome patient once a week. I’ve been at the bedside volunteered, and in 1965 she began 18 years as a teacher of AIDS patients when they are dying. We need to be at and then pastoral minister in Santiago and Chillan, the side of the families.” Chile. The people she ministers She returned to the to teach her about “a strong United States in 1983, and faith in God, a hope that “Learn from our Lord who, while he was in August 1984 began her somehow it will work out ministry of outreach, first well,” Sister Fran said. in this world, was as a servant, obeying in Beaver Dam, Ky., for “They have contentment the Eternal Father even unto death. And three years, and since then with so little. They are a in the more rural Horse this is why he says … ‘I have been among constant reminder that life Branch, both through Holy is fine even if you don’t you not as the one who is served, Redeemer Catholic Church. have a lot of stuff.” “I saw a lot of need,” but as the one who serves.’” For Rosa, Sister Fran she said. She served in the is like a grandmother to – Saint Angela Merici’s First Counsel local assistance office and her and everyone helped at
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Sister Luisa Bickett chats with Cosbi outside the Social Security Administration office in Owensboro, Ky. Cosbi is new to the area, and needed to change her address for her special needs child.
noticed that many of the calls for help were coming from Horse Branch, so she decided to move there in 1987. “When I went, I expected to visit with everybody,” Sister Luisa said. “As soon as the Hispanics began to arrive, I said, ‘I need to give my time to the Hispanics.’” The presence of chicken processing plants in the area draws many Hispanics for work, she said. Sister Luisa goes into Beaver Dam each day, and sometimes to Owensboro, taking Hispanics to the courthouse, to a doctor’s appointment, and interpreting for them. She makes many of their appointments for them. The people she ministers to have taught her a lot. “I find the faith of the Hispanics just wonderful,” she said. “When things all go wrong, they will say, ‘God knows and He will bring good out of it.’” One March day she was taking Cosbi, a woman new to the area, to the Social Security Administration office in Owensboro to change her address. It didn’t take Cosbi long to learn how valuable Sister Luisa’s service is. “It means a lot, because it gives us someone who will be supportive of us,” she said through Sister Luisa’s interpretation. After nearly 20 years as a teacher and parish minister, Sister Larraine started Migrant Immigrant Shelter and Support (MISAS) in Owensboro in 2002, offering support programs and housing opportunities for immigrants. She moved to Louisville in 2006 to be near her mother who was dying, and she began handling Hispanic ministry at the Church of the Epiphany. By October 2008, her duties expanded to minister for social responsibility, which means she works with 20 social concerns committees. The church was founded 40 years ago with a high commitment to social responsibility, she said. Those ministries are broken down into categories of Kindness, Truth, Justice, and Peace. Parishioners volunteer in ministries of supplying emergency assistance needs such as rent, utilities, and sometimes medicine, visiting the
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poor, supplying food banks, providing healthy meals for children, building homes through Habitat for Humanity, assisting in Appalachia, and a plethora of other areas. “The 10 percent committee takes 10 percent of the weekly collection and distributes it for works of justice and in response to people’s needs,” Sister Larraine said. “I oversee all of that.” Money goes to local, national, and international groups. “There is also a team that does all kinds of ministry with the Churchill Downs backside workers, half of whom are immigrants, mostly grooms and hot walkers,” Sister Larraine said. “I hope this ministry is a form of instructing others unto justice,” part of the Ursuline creed, she said. “With this economy, the number of people just needing financial help in the parish has tripled in three years,” she said. “It’s very challenging organizationally; it has a lot of moving parts. But I’m interacting with a lot of different people. Some of them have been passionate about these issues for 40 years, and others say, ‘Huh? Does the Catholic Church have social teaching?’ It does make every day different.” Sister Larraine said she tries to visit all the ministries in action when she can. “I miss the face-to-face connection with the poor. The place I have that is Honduras.” Twice a year, Sister Larraine leads a group of parishioners to Honduras to work with the Divine Mercy Catholic community, helping in the medical clinic, building homes, and other areas. Honduras is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere other than Haiti. “I’m continually reminded to be radically dependent on God,” she said. “I’m especially aware of that among the poor in Honduras. How it is possible to be joyful in faith in the midst of incredible poverty and death.” There is no government support for people in Honduras who can’t feed their children, so there is only one solution, Sister Larraine said. “It just takes a lot of prayer,” she said. “People who have faith still have the capacity for joy and peace. They have more capacity.”
LEFT: Sister Fran takes a break from playing the piano during practice with the Hispanic choir at Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church in Owensboro. RIGHT: Sister Rosemary gets a laugh out of Obbie, 4, at his check-up at the Webster County Health Center in Dixon, Ky.
By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff
Sisters continue sharing their gifts in Kansas ministries
Sister Marcella Schrant, left, looks over some paperwork with Cris Denning, business manager, and Lisa Roush, director of music at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, Kan.
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ne has been ministering in a place she loves for 53 years. One returned to a ministry she knows makes an impact. Two were recruited by priests they had ministered with before. The one thing the nine Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph who continue to minister in Kansas have in common is enjoying their mission and remaining a presence for their many friends and supporters. “I’ve always felt the need to be ‘out there’ as a consecrated woman in the world, like Saint Angela did,” said Sister Pat Lynch, who is the office manager/campus minister at the Didde Catholic Campus Center at Emporia State University. “Events, wakes, funerals, if sisters show up, it means a lot. Where one Ursuline is, we all are.” In October 2008, the 23 Ursuline Sisters of Paola, Kan., merged with the Ursulines of Mount Saint Joseph. By June 2009, 13 of those sisters were living at Maple Mount, while 10 remained in ministry in the area around Paola, just south of Kansas City, Kan. (One of those, Sister Ann Marie Scherman, died in November 2010.) “I get a, ‘Oh, you’re still here!’ response at times, but people are happy to see us,” said Sister Dee Long, who teaches computers two days a week at Our Lady of the Angels School in Kansas City, Mo., and works one day a week for Catholic Charities of Kansas City, Kan. “Doing what I’m doing keeps me out there. We’re established here, it’s hard for a lot of people to see us go.” All of the sisters who remain in Kansas say they get surprised responses from people who assumed all the Ursulines left following the merger. Each said letting people know the Ursulines are still in the area brings joy to the friends they meet.
“We try to stay visible,” said Sister Helen Smith, who is the property manager for the former motherhouse while it’s up for sale. “People want to know how everyone is doing. I teach fifth and sixth grade religion at Holy Trinity (in Paola) every Sunday morning between the Masses.” Most of those who remained in Kansas had a ministry and wanted to continue. That is most true of Sister Martina Rockers, who is now in her 53rd year of teaching science at Bishop Miege High School in the Kansas City suburb of Roeland Park. “I enjoy the teaching here, and from the evaluations I had with the president and principal, they were supportive of the fact that I stay,” Sister Martina said. “There is my blood family, the sisters are a second family, and this is my third family,” she said while sitting in the media center at Bishop Miege. She teaches AP biology to seven students, is in charge of the Stag Shop during the lunch periods, where students can purchase school clothing and accessories, and is advisor to the student council. The courtyard at the school, which the Ursulines started in 1958, is named in Sister Martina’s honor. “She is kind of the heart and soul of the school,” said Joe Passantino, president of Bishop Miege. “Her presence is inspirational to our students and our faculty. Her work ethic is still something for all of us to aspire to.” Sister Jane Falke was a member of the Paola leadership Council at the time of the merger, and said she believes the leadership expected her to continue a presence. “I’m not that old that I can’t keep working,” she said. “I have two sisters in town and brothers in the area.” Sister Jane was an assistant in the counseling office of Catholic Charities of Kansas City when the merger happened, and moved to the downtown office in May 2010. “They needed someone to meet and greet refugees,” she said. “We provide information on how to live in the United States, and get them to the social service agencies.” She is often the first face people see when they walk in the door. The largest group of refugees in Kansas City comes from Burma, with others from Bhutan and some African Heather Hauskins, right, a junior nursing student at Emporia State University, brings Sister Pat Lynch a quesadilla for lunch at the Didde Catholic Campus Center during the Busy Bee retreat in March.
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As pastoral minister at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kan., Sister Kathleen Condry, left, supervises the staff. Here, she is preparing for a staff party with Karen McDonald, registrar for the parish, and Dan Koenig, the business manager.
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Sister Helen Smith discusses respect life issues during a Gospel of Life evening with eighth-grade students preparing for Confirmation at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kan.
countries. “We try to help them find employment, and provide groups and classes for pregnant women,” Sister Jane said. “We also have a heavy emergency assistance clientele.” Another of her duties is making appointments for the Board, representing the point of view of the associates immigration lawyer employed by Catholic Charities. One of in Kansas. “I want our associates to know that they are her early tasks was recruiting her housemate, Sister Dee, to appreciated for their love and support of the Ursulines and answer calls for emergency assistance on Wednesdays. our ministries,” she said. “They are doing so much good in “I set appointments for people to meet with counselors, their own way of living the charism of Saint Angela.” and for the food pantry,” Sister Dee said. “Utilities and rent Sister Marcella Schrant’s ministry as a pastoral payments are the greatest need.” associate in Eudora, Kan., was coming to an end in 2007, Sister Dee was teaching full-time at Our Lady of the when Father John Schmeidler, the pastor of St. John the Angels when the merger took place. The sisters live across Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, quickly asked her to come the street from St. Agnes Parish, where Ursulines taught be the office assistant at the church just down the street for years, and Sister Jane attends Mass there, while Sister from Kansas University. The two had previously ministered Dee travels a few miles across the Missouri line to attend together in Lawrence at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Guardian Angels, the church affiliated with Our Lady of Center. the Angels. “A lot of parishes know our sisters,” Sister Jane “She is the best greeter. You will not find a more said. charitable person, whether it’s to someone on the phone, Sister Angela Fitzpatrick was employed as a chaplain for or people dropping in, she will make them feel special,” he Hospice Care of Kansas at the time of the merger, a ministry said. “That spirit flows out into the rest of the staff.” she loved, so it was an easy decision for her to remain. Sister Marcella is the first person visitors meet in the As time went on, she was asked to be the bereavement downtown parish. She is responsible for recording all the coordinator, but when the company merged with the Topeka baptisms and marriages, sending out certificates, sorting office in April 2010, she lost the job in a staff reduction. and delivering the mail, and taking care of Mass intentions. Later in 2010, she was approached about being a She acts on Father Schmeidler’s behalf if he cannot pray substitute caregiver with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the rosary with a family before a funeral, or if something Carondelet, which has now grown into a full-time ministry. official needs to be signed. She serves in the homes of the elderly in Kansas and Sister Marcella decided to stay in Kansas because she Missouri, bringing Holy already had a ministry she Communion and praying with enjoyed, and now at age 84, them, taking care of their she’s unlikely to begin a new personal needs, preparing one. “Most people say, ‘You’re meals and doing light not leaving, are you?’” she housekeeping if asked. She said. also tries to get her clients to Having a sister on staff is a exercise, even if just walking. blessing to the congregation, Sister Angela believes Father Schmeidler said. “She’s she is filling a need so that lived the life so faithfully, the elderly can stay in their it’s in her nature now,” he own homes. “I feel that God said. “People get to see her still wants me in Kansas City wonderful vocation. People even though I would love to are touched by her.” be nearer the sisters at the Mount,” she said. New ministries Sister Martina Rockers passes out some papers to the She has also joined the Three of the sisters who students in her AP biology class at Bishop Miege High Ursuline Associate Advisory School in Roeland Park, Kan. remained did so with new Continued on page 8
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the last of the Paola Sisters moved to Kentucky in summer ministries. Sister Pat, who was on the leadership Council at 2009, Sister Kathleen got a call from Maureen Huppe, the the time of the merger, told herself she was open to moving principal at Church of the Nativity School in Leawood, to Kentucky, but then found the position was open at asking her to lead a retreat for her staff. Huppe was a new Emporia State, about 80 minutes from Paola. teacher 30 years ago at Queen of the Holy Rosary School in “I’d come here to do spiritual direction once a month Overland Park, where Sister Kathleen was a new principal. and was on the staff of the Busy Bee Retreat,” she said. The new priest at the parish in those years was Father “Father Ray May called and said, ‘Can you come and stay Francis Hund, who is now the pastor at five years?’” Nativity. Sister Pat spent seven years in campus Kansas City KANSAS Sister Kathleen agreed to lead the retreat, ministry (1987-94) at Kansas University, Lawrence and Father Hund asked her what she was and knew the impact it could have on going to do next. “He said, ‘I need you. Can students, so she was looking for such Emporia Paola you start Sept. 1?’” Sister Kathleen said. an opportunity again. The Didde Center Richmond Sister Helen encouraged her to go, opened in 1990 and a 15-member student and Sister Kathleen returned the favor in council plans events for the center’s use. October 2010 by asking Sister Helen to lead Sister Pat is the full-time employee during the sacramental preparation at the parish. the day, and four student outreach ministers take turns After 40 years as an educator and community leader, it’s working in the evenings Sister Kathleen’s first experience as a pastoral minister. “I “I thought it was important to stay because of our found out a lot of the skills transfer very well,” she said. “I historic presence, and the relationships I’ve built,” Sister love the variety of parish life.” Pat said. “I like to be available. If it makes an impact, that’s Her role is to mentor leadership for the staff and great.” parishioners. The parish is 25 years old and has a large Heather Hauskins, a junior nursing student at Emporia number of talented parishioners, in an affluent area south of State and the activities coordinator for the student council, Kansas City, about 45 minutes north of Paola. She oversees says Sister Pat is “perfect” for the college environment. a staff of 18 people, and works with the chairperson of the “She’s very open, if you have any questions, no one is pastoral council. “I’m sort of their spiritual guide,” she said. afraid to talk to her,” Hauskins said. “She’s very involved She is serving in a parish that has never had an Ursuline with anything we have going on.” Sister before, and works long hours to maintain a presence One of Sister Helen’s roles as assistant superior was with parishioners. “It gives them a chance to talk to me, to responsibility for the property, so it seemed logical that she know they can ask for help,” she said. would become the property manager while awaiting the “She has great leadership ability, great communication sale. Two houses on the property are being rented, and the skills,” Father Hund said. “She works wonderfully with picturesque campus is a daily destination for walkers in parishioners, and knows how to respond to people. She has Paola. a great faith background. It’s a total blessing to have an “When I go to the grocery, people will ask how the sale Ursuline, and now we have two. Ursulines have brought is coming, or ask about a sister,” Sister Helen said. “They great presence to Nativity Parish.” are hoping the purpose of the building doesn’t change Sister Mildred Katzer, age 92, lives with a former whenever it sells.” Ursuline Sister in the small town of Richmond, about 35 During a renovation of the property a decade ago, the miles southwest of Paola, and volunteers at St. Therese rooms were made larger and the bathrooms handicapped Parish there. For her, staying in Kansas is a matter of accessible, in anticipation that someday the building might presence. be used for assisted living, Sister Helen said. “It was Scipio that first opened a house for the Ursulines She lives on one floor of the convent along with Sister when they moved to Kansas from Kentucky” in 1894, Sister Kathleen Condry, Mildred said. “At one time we had 30 vocations from the who was superior Scipio, Garnett, Greeley area,” towns that are within five when the merger to seven miles of Richmond. “With all the sisters moving, I occurred, and the felt we needed to be represented in this area.” two agreed to stay Sister Mildred takes Communion to those in a nursing until the property home, is involved with Meals on Wheels, and takes part in sold. Sister Kathleen the monthly Card Club at St. Therese. She makes craft items acknowledges two that are sold at the Mount Saint Joseph Picnic. people living in a “We taught vacation Bible school last summer, and we 64,000-square-foot may do it again this year, because if we don’t do it, it won’t convent is “sort of a get done,” she said. bizarre way to live,” All the sisters who continue in ministry in Kansas share but said, “I trust God one more aspect in common -- the impact of more than 100 has a plan and it will Sister Jane Falke, left, and Sister years of Ursuline influence is present wherever an Ursuline all work out.” Dee Long both minister at Catholic Charities of Kansas City, Kan. Sister serves. n Shortly after
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Sister Mary Evelyn Duvall
Sister Pauletta McCarty
Sister Jean Gertrude Mudd
40th - Ruby
70th - Sapphire
Sister George Mary Hagan tells the story of a chaplain she knew while ministering in Fort Knox, Ky., who retired and contacted a real estate agent so he could buy a house in Versailles, Ky., near Lexington. During their conversation, the real estate agent mentioned that he was from New Haven, Ky. “Do you happen to know Sister George Mary?” the chaplain asked. “I went to school with her for 12 years,” the real estate agent replied. The next time the chaplain saw Sister George Mary, he told her, “Sister, I’m convinced you know everyone in Kentucky.” That knowledge is aiding the Ursuline community now that Sister George Mary is volunteering in the development office with Sister Amelia Stenger, who began as director in August. “I enjoy working with (Sister) Amelia because she’s efficient, she gets things done, and she’s organized,” Sister George Mary said. “I let her know who people are related to in our community, or who was taught by the sisters.” Sister George Mary’s reputation of “knowing everybody” is a result of how she grew up in New Haven, and where she has ministered. “Coming from a small town, all the large families went to school together,” she said. “At one point there were 40 sisters in the community from New Haven, that’s quite a bit for a town of only 1,000 people.” She also ministered for nearly 20 years at the U.S. Army base in Fort Knox, serving as director of religious education to the children of the soldiers. Ursuline Sisters taught in nearby Flaherty, Vine Grove, and Radcliff, so there was another opportunity to get to know people. She taught for 26 years across Kentucky, maintaining friendships wherever she ministered. There’s one other reason she is so well connected. “There are a ton of Hagans,” she said. “Sister George Mary knows everybody, and their brother and sister,” Sister Amelia said. “We’re excited to have her, because she is so interested and wants to help bring people an understanding of our ministry.” Her other role at the Motherhouse is driving sisters to a doctor’s appointment, or out of town for a funeral or to Louisville. Otherwise, she is enjoying retirement. “I don’t want to be in charge of anything,” she said. Retirement allows her to travel, especially to visit friends from her military days. She was invited to Washington, D.C., on Feb. 22 for the ordination of a priest who became the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Last year, she went to Maryland for a reunion of descendants of those who traveled from Maryland to Bardstown, Ky., in the 1780s. Though she enjoyed all her ministries, her time at Fort Knox was her favorite. “I liked the diversity of cultures, the
Our jubilarians have dedicated 670 years of service to God’s people. You will learn more about them in the summer Ursulines Alive.
60th - Diamond
It’s a good bet that Sister George Mary knows you!
2011 Jubilarians
50th - Golden
Not Really Retired...
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Sister Susanne Bauer
Sister Clarence Marie Luckett
Sister Betsy Moyer
Sister Helena Fischer
Sister Julia Head
Sister Kathleen Kaelin
Sister Nancy Murphy
Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan
Sister Rosanne Spalding
organizational skills, attending their functions, and going to liaison officers’ homes,” she said. “It’s an education to be exposed to the culture.” In her spare time, she enjoys reading books about Saint Angela Merici, keeping up with e-mails, and current events. “Being at the Mount provides me with the opportunity to grow spiritually and draw closer to God,” she said. If she meets someone new along the way, all the better. Friends can write to Sister George Mary at 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. n
TEACHERS HONORED On Dec. 14, 2010, Sister Marie Goretti Browning (back row, third from left) and Sister Pauletta McCarty (front row, second from left) were honored by former students at St. Bartholomew School in Louisville, Ky., at a luncheon at the home of Eric (far left) and Jo Lynn Shrader near Hardinsburg, Ky. The two sisters taught at St. Bartholomew in the 1950s. Also pictured: Sister Clarita Browning (front, left) and in the back row, Betty Jean (Ratterman) Shrader, Lonnie Mays, Tom Beck, and George Hazelrig.
Sister Beth Akins, left, lights a candle of unity with Congregational Leader Sister Sharon Sullivan on Dec. 12, 2010 in the Motherhouse Chapel. Sister Beth, a Kansas native who entered the novitiate in 2005, renewed her temporary vows of profession.
RENEWAL OF VOWS
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MASS Sister Mary Timothy Bland joins her secondgraders at the Owensboro Catholic Schools Mass on Feb. 3 at the Owensboro SportsCenter. Over 1,200 students were there to hear Bishop William Medley say, “God has a plan for you.” RIGHT: Sisters Michele Morek, left, and Suzanne Sims attended the March 3-4 UNANIMA board meeting in UNANIMA New York City. Sister Michele is interning with UNANIMA, a United Nations NGO which advocates on behalf of women and children, immigrants, and the environment. Sister Suzanne is on the board.
RCIA GROUP
Sister Lois Lindle helped serve Father Pike Powell Sister Rosanne Spalding, second from right, pastoral associate at a Jan. 25th dinner in his honor. He retired from his and director of religious education at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Owensboro, Ky., talks with members of the parish’s role of hearing the Sisters’ confessions after 20+ years. RCIA class on March 20 in the Madonna Room at the Center.
DIOCESE SESSIONS Sister Karla Kaelin, left, makes a point as Sister Mary Matthias Ward, center, and Sister Rita Scott listen at St. Martin Church outside Owensboro on Feb. 11 at a diocesan listening session. The goal of the sessions is to get feedback to build a Sisters Jean Madeline Peake, left, and Mary five-year strategic plan for the diocese. Cabrini Foushee enjoy the afternoon “Valentine’s Day High Tea” in the dining room on Feb. 14.
“HIGH TEA”
OPEN HOUSE
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Sisters Nancy Murphy, Pam Mueller, and Francis Louise Johnson enjoy a Jan. 9 open house in the newly renovated Lourdes Hall. RIGHT: Lavida Mischel speaks with Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser about Sts. Joseph and Paul parish in Owensboro, Ky. The church was gathering memories from the sisters for its 125th anniversary.
Y-DOSA
MEMORIES
Congregational Leader Sister Sharon Sullivan, left, points to a map in her office showing where all of the sisters minister. From Jan. 26-Feb. 1, she visited sisters in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Kansas (snow kept her from going to New Mexico), including, at right, Sisters Martina Rockers (left) and Angela Fitzpatrick (back right) at a Young Daughters of Saint Angela meeting in Shawnee Mission, Kan.
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God Always Provides...
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e live in a very extraordinary time. The news tells us that there are 1,210 billionaires in the world and many more multimillionaires. It also tells us that there are people who make $2 a day and are expected to feed their families with that amount. How do we balance this bit of information in the light of the Gospel? How do we come to the realization that all we have is a gift from God and it is important that we share it no matter how much we have? How does God provide for us? My dad was always telling us that God would take care of us. We grew up on a small cotton farm in southeast Missouri. There were many times when we didn’t have much money. I didn’t know we were poor because we always had food from our gardens and milk from our cows. My mom made our clothes from pretty feed sacks and quilts from all the little extra pieces. Dad told a story of a time when we were without any money. My mom got sick and had to go to the doctor. Daddy didn’t know what he was going to do to pay the doctor but went anyway. He said he knew God would provide. As they were walking into the doctor’s office, he looked down and there was a $5 bill on the ground. He didn’t see anyone around to give it to so he put it in his pocket and went on into the office. The doctor gave Mom some medicine and when Daddy asked how much the bill was, the doctor said it was $5. Daddy told this story many times over the years as we went through difficult times. He always said that God would provide and God always did. As I think of that story and what is happening in our
Statement of Accountability As a member of the National Catholic Development Conference, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph submit an accountability report after the annual financial audit. This information is a summary of Donations/Bequests and Expenses for fiscal year July 2009 - June 2010. If you have questions, call Director of Development Sister Amelia Stenger, at 270-229-2008.
Revenue_______________________________ Unrestricted 372,581.01 42.78% Restricted 1,448.88 0.17% Chile Missions 25,689.15 2.95% Bequests Unrestricted 300,608.64 34.52% Bequests Restricted Retirement 5,000.00 0.57% Retirement 13,959.20 1.60% Quilt Club 31,966.00 3.67% Picnic 119,608.12 13.73% 870,861.00 100.00% Expenses______________________________ Retirement Fund 170,533.32 19.58% Chile Ministry 25,689.15 2.95% Restricted 1,448.88 0.17% U.S. Ministry/Program Service 599,138.79 68.80% Admin/Management/General 60,587.07 6.96% Fund Raising 13,463.79 1.55% 870,861.00 100.00%
world today, I think of all the ways that God provides for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. There were times in our history when the sisters received very little or no pay. They opened schools, taught all day, and stoked their own stoves. When they Sister Amelia Stenger needed something, someone in the parish displays the patchwork of or school would bring hope quilt, made up of a chicken, fruit, or fabric squares sent in by some other goody. I Ursuline friends/donors. remember taking the sisters bags of sassafras roots so they could make tea. (I am not sure if they used it but Mom always said it was a wonderful spring tonic, and the sisters seemed pretty happy.) Times were hard but God did provide. Today, God provides for us because we have wonderful people who share their time, talent, and treasure with us in so many ways. Our Patchwork of Hope Annual Fund was a great success. More than 1,000 little pieces of cloth were sent with donations so they could be added to the quilt. The money raised helps take care of our sisters who are sick, those who work with low-income families, and so many other areas. God provides all the volunteers who help us make the quilts for the Quilt of the Month club. God sends us hundreds of people to help us with our annual picnic. Last September, more than 450 volunteers helped us serve the thousands who came to have a good meal and good fun. The picnic was a success because God provided the help we needed. As we prepare for the next picnic in September we know that many more will provide support, gifts, work time, and money to make it a success, too. God provides us with wonderful families and friends, who encourage us, pray with us, and for us. As we continue our Lenten fasting and prepare for Easter, we pray for each one of you who shows us that God is the great provider. We are thankful for you and ask God to provide for your needs. Finally, we ask that you pray with us that God will provide young women with a religious vocation who will join us to continue the ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. We pray and know that God will provide. – Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, Director of Development
Correction: Owensboro Dermatology was inadvertently left out of the In-Kind donor list in the Winter 2010 Ursulines Alive. We regret this omission.
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A Ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Give Peace, Quiet, and Prayer a Chance
Help complete the Memorial Rosary Walk at the Mount
A large group came to the Center on March 4 for the third Reflection Day of Prayer, this one focusing on “Leaning on God.” The Reflection Days are the first Friday of each month (except July) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and cost $15, which includes lunch.
Personalized bricks are still available along the Rosary Walk at Mount Saint Joseph, located on the front lawn of the former Mount Saint Joseph Academy (now the Retreat Center). Support the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph by sponsoring a brick for $125 as a memorial or tribute to an individual or group (up to 15 letters per line, one to three lines). Beads are also available for $500. Contact Sister Amelia Stenger at 270-229-2008 or find the form online at www.msjcenter.org.
Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center Calendar of Events for Spring 2011
Kathy Foster, Rosa Lee Coffey, left, and Ella Smith enjoy a discussion during the March 4th Reflection Day of Prayer.
APRIL
Spirituality at Work................................................... Wednesday, April 27 Primarily for Administrative Assistants and Secretaries Mount Saint Joseph Annual Dinner............................ Saturday, April 30 “A Night at the Antique Auction” (Some items will also be for sale) MAY
Spiritual Direction Training - Week 3.............................Week of May 2-6 Reflection Day of Prayer (“A Rushing Wind”) .................. Friday, May 6 Yarn Spinners Day........................................................... Saturday, May 7 Mount Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae Weekend.......................May 14-15 Owensboro 4-6 Campus Youth Prayer Day.................. Wednesday, May 18 Day of Prayer for Ursuline Associates...............................Saturday, May 21 Riney Hancock Workshop.............................. Monday-Tuesday, May 23-24
Sisters of the Lamb of God Marisa Wick and Debra Ann Bailey were among attendees at the Jan. 7 “New Beginnings as we Enter into a New Year” reflection.
JUNE
Reflection Day of Prayer (“Seeking and Finding”) . ........Friday, June 3 Associates and Sisters Day..............................................Saturday, June 11 Writers Retreat Workshop............................................ Week of June 16-27 Grief Camp for Children....................................................Saturday, June 25 JULY
Conference/Directed Retreats for Women Religious ........... July 10-16 “At the Heart of All Spirituality is Relationship” with Fr. Jim Marchionda Centering Prayer....................................................................... June 17-24 Spiritual Direction Training - Week 4........................ Week of July 25-29 Center-sponsored programs are in bold type. Please call to register. To register or to schedule your event, call Kathy McCarty 270-229-4103, ext. 802 • kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org The Retreat Center is located 12 miles west of Owensboro on Hwy. 56 12
Inez Brown, of Clay, Ky., made her second trip to Maple Mount Feb. 20-22 to help the Quilter Friends make quilts that will be raffled or sold to benefit the Ursuline Sisters. “It’s really nice here, they treat us so nice,” Brown said.
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Dear Friends of the Center, This letter will come to you as we make the final preparation for Holy Week and Easter. As we get into the months of May to August we have many groups coming to the Center. We invite you to go to our website, www. msjcenter.org, to find our many offerings. Events that might interest you include Spirituality at Work for administrative assistants on April 27, monthly First Friday Reflection Days, and a Centering Prayer Retreat on July 17-24. We Father Ray Clark, a priest in the Diocese of Owensboro, Sister Ann leads a session of Engaged Encounter Feb. 4-6. welcome you for any of these events/programs and for using the Mount as a place to find time and space to LEFT: Four students from St. Joseph Parish in spend with God. Central City, Ky., stand Before the next edition of Ursulines Alive comes to you outside the Retreat I will have completed my first year as director of Mount Center and in front of Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. This has been St. Angela Hall. The parish brought 23 high a grace-filled time and I wish to thank everyone who has school students to the used our facility this past year. We hope your time here was Center for a retreat on enriching for you. March 11-13. Let me offer each of you a reflection on the Easter Season. My prayer is that this will enhance your own Easter celebration… RIGHT: Joyce Easter and the Easter season are the primary focus of the Wheeler, liturgical year. Easter celebrates the wonder and joy of Christ’s Beverly Morris, Rosemary Resurrection, the central mystery of our faith. The Easter season Payne, and Kim goes on for 50 days after Easter, until the feast of Pentecost. During Vance look over this time the Sunday readings focus on the appearances of the risen the Loyola Press Christ and on the growth of the early Church. It is a time of joy and display at the hope, for death has been overcome and Christ has made us all heirs March 5th local catechist retreat, “Connect, Awake, and Share.” to the Kingdom of God. Because of the events of Easter, we dare to hope for our own resurrection and eternal life with God. Kate Fuller, of Hanson, Ky., Within the Easter season there are two special feasts — the left, and Donna Klamer of Ascension of the Lord celebrated in the United States on the Evansville, Ind., kick back with their yarn in hand. seventh Sunday of Easter and the feast of Pentecost. The feast Spinners came to the of the Ascension reminds us how Jesus said farewell to his Center March 11-13 for a disciples in order to live in glory with his heavenly Father and retreat to spin their yarn to be present to all his followers without the limitations of time and create beautiful pieces and space. Pentecost is the celebration of the coming of the of art. Holy Spirit on the Apostles. May this season be a time of hope and joy for you as you entering rayer ight ay etreat celebrate your faith. God bless you. Choose One: – Sister Ann McGrew, Director Intensive Retreat: An in-depth retreat for those interested in entering into the more profound levels of spiritual practice in an ann.mcgrew@maplemount.org
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Mission Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center offers and hosts programs in a rural environment of tranquility for people of all ages and faiths to nurture spiritual and personal growth, advance the arts, and promote lifelong learning.
July 17-24
P
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atmosphere of silence, solitude, and community. The first part of the “Spiritual Journey” series by Father Thomas Keating is shown. Post-Intensive Retreat: Provides an opportunity to be immersed in the practice of Centering Prayer as taught by Contemplative Outreach. Prior Centering Prayer experience is required.
Facilitators/Certified Spiritual Directors Sister Mary Otho Ballard, OP - Contemplative Outreach Coordinator Sister Ann McGrew, OSU - Mount Saint Joseph Retreat Center Director Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU - Director of Retreats $ Resident: 450 includes room, meals, program, and materials Deduct 10% if paid in full by June 17 Commuter: $275 includes meals, program, and materials Contact Kathy McCarty: 270-229-4103 ext. 802 • kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org
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U r s u l i n e s
A L I V E
Spiritual Direction Training at Mount Saint Joseph Sister Marietta Wethington, left, smiles as she lights a candle during prayer time, as participants Jennifer Ewing, center, and Janie Monaghan look on during the first week of training for the Spiritual Direction 2010-12 group in October 2010. RIGHT: Janie Monaghan, left, and Shelly Szoka, both of Madison, Ala., join Father Fideles Levri for refreshments.
In October 2010, Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center began its fourth session of the Spiritual Direction Training Program. Each session consists of eight weeks spread over two years. The weekly gatherings are held in October, January, April, and July. Spiritual direction is the art of companioning another in his/her walk with God and helping the other to discover the presence and action of God in one’s life. It is an awesome and humbling experience to accompany others on that deep inner journey as they discover what God is doing and examine how they are responding. Our sessions here at Mount Saint Joseph cover the following eight topics: • Spirituality • Spiritual Direction • Inner Journey • Prayer and Scripture • Theology • Ethics • Supervision • Case Studies The last session ends with a three-day retreat. There are daily opportunities for Mass, prayer, and reflection in an atmosphere of contemplation. This program prepares participants for the ministry of spiritual direction from a Catholic perspective and in the spirit of Saint Angela Merici. Participants have the opportunity for practicum – to practice in a fishbowl setting under the supervision of the leadership team and the other participants who serve as compassionate listeners. This formal training program of study, prayer, and reflection is designed to deepen the spiritual life of the participants and to assist them as they discern their call to be spiritual directors. As the current class continues its journey, the team is making plans for the next session which will begin in October 2012. If you would like more information, please contact Sister Ann McGrew or Sheila Blandford at 270-229-4103 or ann.mcgrew@maplemount.org or sheila.blandford@maplemount.org. You can also find us online: www.msjcenter.org.
Join us for Reflection Days 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The 2010-12 class of the Spiritual Direction Training Program gathered for prayer in the chapel of the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center on Jan. 21, the final day of their second week. The class members will return May 2-6.
Ursuline Sisters Annual Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, April 30 • 6 p.m.
For tickets, contact Sister Amelia 14
270-229-2008 • amelia.stenger@maplemount.org To see auction items, go to www.ursulinesmsj.org
• May 6 - “A Rushing Wind” • June 3 - “Seeking and Finding” • Aug. 5 - “Hearts on Fire” • Sept. 2 - “Instruments of God” • Oct. 7 - “The Falling Leaves” • Nov. 4 - “Faithful Love” • Dec. 2 - “Homecoming”
First Friday of every month* in 2011 There will be group prayer, quiet time, lunch, faith sharing, and a different presentation each month. Reflection days will be led by Sister Ann McGrew, OSU. To register, contact Kathy McCarty: (270) 229-4103, ext. 802 kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org The $15 fee includes lunch
*except July
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New book chronicles Sister Agnes Catherine award Ursuline impact on Paola Sts. Joseph and Paul Catholic Church in
“Journeys of Ursuline Academy & College: Photographs and Memories from Paola, Kansas 1894-2009” (252 pages) is a new history book chronicling interactions between the citizens of Miami County, Kan., and the Ursuline Sisters of Paola (now the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph). The Miami County Historical and Genealogical Society captures the day-to-day impact of the Ursulines on Paola using sources such as personal scrapbooks, photo albums, and narratives. It is available at Amazon. com and at the Miami County Historical Society, 12 E. Peoria, Paola, KS 66071 for around $35.
Owensboro, Ky., presented its annual Sister Agnes Catherine Williams, OSU, Stewardship Award for 2010 for outstanding ministry to youth and their Catholic formation to Davena Cecil. Cecil is a kindergarten teacher with Owensboro Catholic Schools. In honoring her, the parish said, “While others speak of curriculum, goals, and procedures, she talks about the children, their hearts and souls, their growth as children of God.” Created in November 2007, this award honors the late Sister Agnes Catherine (1905-2007), who dedicated her life to educating God’s children, many of them at Sts. Joseph and Paul School.
Davena Cecil
Sister Agnes
In the joy of eternal life Sister Agnes Cecilia Speak, 100, died Dec. 15, 2010 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 80th year of religious life. She was a native of Irvington, Ky. She was a housekeeper much of her life, beginning in 1932. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and a deeply prayerful woman. She served at convents throughout the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., and in New Mexico. She served at Mount Saint Joseph in the dairy (1946-47), and laundry (1948-50). She retired to the Motherhouse in 1995. Survivors include nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was Dec. 18, 2010 at Mount Saint Joseph. Burial was in the Motherhouse cemetery. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematorium, Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements. Sister Blanche Rita Bickett, 98, died Jan. 10 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 80th year of religious life. A native of Uniontown, Ky., she ministered in the Archdiocese of Louisville, as well as in Nebraska and New Mexico, from 1933-52. From 1952-89, she ministered at the Ursuline Sisters Motherhouse, first as kitchen coordinator, then laundry coordinator for 45 years. During those years she acted as a mother figure for several young girls who needed a motherly presence. She was known for her sense of humor and being forever cheerful. Survivors include nieces and good friends, and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was Jan. 14 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematorium, Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements. Sister Dolorita Robinson, 88, died March 23 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 69th year of religious life. She was a native of St. Mary, Ky. Sister Dolorita was known for her hard work, her deep spirituality, and her desire to help whoever was in need. An educator for 39 years, she taught and was principal in the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., the Archdiocese of Louisville, and served in pastoral ministry at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Sunfish. At Mount Saint Joseph, she served as local superior and worked in crafts, as director of activities, and on the archives staff. Survivors include her sister, Florine White of Lebanon; nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community. The funeral Mass was March 25 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery. Sister Helen Hermreck, 87, died March 27 at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 72nd year of religious life. She was a native of Scipio, Kan., and was an Ursuline Sister of Paola, Kan., until they merged with Mount Saint Joseph in 2008. She was a joyful, always gracious woman, who loved to read and to be outside enjoying nature. She was a teacher in Paola and Kansas City, Kan., Bartlesville, Okla., and in or near Sacramento, Calif. She was novice director for her community (1957-63) and was executive director of the Lakemary Center for those with special needs (1968-69). She served in pastoral ministry in Placerville, Calif., from 1980 until retiring in 2005. She moved to Mount Saint Joseph in 2009. Survivors include three sisters, Fran Dennis, of Chester, Calif., Edith Foster, of Anderson, Calif., and Rose Perisot, of Chico, Calif., and a brother, Everett Hermreck of Citrus Heights, Calif. The funeral Mass was March 30 at Maple Mount. Gifts in memory of a Sister may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356 15
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWENSBORO KY PERMIT NO. 120 8001 Cummings Road Maple Mount, KY 42356-9999 270-229-4103 www.ursulinesmsj.org info.msj@maplemount.org
Soli Deo Gloria
We rejoice in the gifts of our sisters, given for the kingdom of God Sister Emma Cecilia Busam was honored by the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky., at a retirement celebration on Feb. 15, when Bishop William Medley officially changed the name of the diocese’s archives to the “Sister Emma Cecilia Busam Archives.” Sister Emma Cecilia was the first true archivist in the history of the 32-county diocese, which began in 1937. Father George Hancock is listed as the diocese’s first archivist from 1976-78, but there was never any office space, and the post was vacant until Sister Emma Cecilia took over in 1991. (For the first 10 years, she also worked in archives for the Ursuline Sisters.) She is a member of the Society of American Archivists, and in 1994, that group honored her with the Sister M. Claude Lane Award, for her significant contribution to the field of religious archives. Sister Dianna Ortiz was invited to write the preface for the book, “The United States and Torture: Interrogation, Incarceration, and Abuse,” edited by Marjorie Cohn. The book’s description includes this line: “The United States and Torture opens with a compelling preface by Sister Dianna Ortiz, who describes the unimaginable treatment she endured in Guatemala in 1987.” After her abduction and torture, Sister Dianna founded the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition to raise awareness and bring an end to government-sponsored torture. She is now the director of Pax Christi USA in Washington, D.C. Pax Christi, the national Catholic peace movement, announced on Feb. 18 that it was moving its national headquarters from Erie , Pa., where it has been located since 1986, to Washington, D.C. Its D.C. program office opened in 2002.
Sister Jacinta Powers was one of six new members named to the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee Board of Directors. Sister Jacinta is a registered nurse and is employed with the Church Health Center in Memphis. She is actively involved in homeless outreach programs such as “Soup on Sunday” and “The Open Door.” Catholic Charities of West Tennessee is the social services arm of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. It is one of the largest nonprofit, multi-social service providers in the Mid-South with special emphasis on homelessness, refugee resettlement, and emergency services. Sister Pam Mueller completed an ASIST Workshop “Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training,” on Jan. 20-21 at Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, Ind. The workshop was a hands-on, practiceoriented, immersion experience that helped participants become ready, willing, and able to do suicide firstaid interventions. Sister Pam has also completed “safeTALK” training in suicide alertness and was recertified as a QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Instructor last November. She is the campus minister at Brescia University. Sister Carol Shively was named to the Brescia University Board of Trustees in February. Sister Carol lives in Bossier City, La. In 1999 she was appointed superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Shreveport. Previously, she was a superintendent in Beaumont, Texas. She has also held the roles of principal and teacher. Sister Carol received her bachelor of science degree from Brescia College in 1983 and has also completed a master’s in education administration.